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With the ever increasing costs to the maintenance of concrete bridge decks due to corrosion of reinforcing steel from the environment and routine maintenance applications of salt, it is important to have a better understanding of the effectiveness and durability of silane-treated bridge decks. Historically, bridge decks in Oklahoma are treated once at the time of construction. Little is known of the time frame for which silane remains as an effective barrier to prevent the intrusion of corrosive salts into the bridge deck. Through an extensive literature search, survey of state departments of transportation (DOT's), and coring and analyzing of bridge deck cores from bridges of various ages, the researcher will determine the life expectancy of a onetime application of silane. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Bridge Division will assist the principal investigator (PI) in the selection of bridges to be used in this study. It is expected that an effective duration range can be determined. With these findings it is expected that a routine maintenance practice can be established for the re-treatment of bridge decks based on environment, salt application, regional and age considerations resulting in extended bridge deck life expectancy and lower life cycle costs. As part of Phase 2 the research team plans to continue to answer questions raised in Phase 1 of the testing while investigating a new sealer that the ODOT plans on using on several critical bridge structures in high traffic areas. The examination methods established in the previous project will provide a suite of useful tools to evaluate these new products. This research is timely and will help ODOT to make sound investments in the long term performance of their bridges. This research has the potential to greatly extend the service life of these bridges and therefore could likely save the state of Oklahoma millions of dollars.

Language

English

Project

Status: Completed

Contract Numbers:

SP&R 2229

SPRY-0010(64)RS

Sponsor Organizations:

Oklahoma Department of Transportation

200 NE 21st StreetOklahoma City, OK
United States
73105

Project Managers:

Peters, Walt

Performing Organizations:

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

School of Civil & Environmental Engineering207 Engineering SouthStillwater, OK
United States
74078